The Appeal of Renewable Power
What does living without the power lines offer? There is the obvious, of course- the pride of self-sufficiency, minimal environmental impact, and freedom from utility power failures and rate increases. 

Renewable power can also be extremely cost effective and convenient. At a distance as little as 1/3 mile renewable power may cost the same or less than a utility line extension. Or utility power may be impractical or impossible to obtain, such as an island cabin or hunting camp. You're free of running a generator just to turn on a light, or lugging dead batteries back and forth between a charging source and point-of-use. There's no need to plug your boat or recreational vehicle into shore or park power at days end.

Or, utility power may be impractical or impossible to obtain, such as at an island cabin or hunting camp. You’re free from running a noisy generator just to turn on a light, or lugging dead batteries back and forth between a charging source and point-of-use. For mobile applications, there’s no need to plug your boat or recreational vehicle into shore or park power at day’s end.

Off-Grid Expectation & Reality
Are you a good candidate for off-the-grid living? Does your life-style fit with remote power? With this freedom comes a little hands-on responsibility.

Renewable power will not be cost-effective unless you invest in energy efficient lighting and appliances.
Energy efficiency, the likes of which may be new to you, will be critical to harmonious system design and possibly your pocketbook. This matter is discussed in detail in the design portion of this guide.

Living with a remote power system is not “just like downtown”, and never will be. These systems are designed to generate a finite amount of power, based on an average load estimate. You will be required to occasionally monitor the system to maintain the power out = power in balance. Any load left on when not in use will over time drain the battery bank. Forget to turn a closet light off, and you may be sorry. A backup generator is mandatory to supply power when the sun cannot, and it must be kept in good operating condition. Preventive battery maintenance is necessary on a regular basis. Consumption patterns may need to change, for example saving heavy loads (like clothes washing) for a sunny day of excess power production.

If it sounds like an overwhelming responsibility to live with renewable power, it really isn’t. It just requires a little education, awareness, and involvement to live the good life with renewable power. You'll find your friends and neighbors intrigued by your independent lifestyle, and you may win a few converts in the process. Your example will serve to excite and inspire others to explore renewable power and the freedom it provides. What have you got to lose, besides a monthly electric bill?